Sownynge in moral vertu was his speche, and gladly wolde he lerne and gladly teche.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Es ist vollbracht.

For your edification on Good Friday, the aria "Es ist vollbracht" ("It is finished" or "It is accomplished") from Johann Sebastian Bach's Johannes-Passion, BWV 245. This video is from a 1985 performance by Concentus Musicus Wien and the Tölzer Knabenchor, directed by Nikolaus Harnoncourt; the soloists are Panito Iconomou (alto) and Christophe Coin (playing the viola da gamba, a Baroque instrument).

In the Johannes-Passion, this aria comes immediately after Jesus' final words on the cross - "Es ist vollbracht" in the German text - and right before the Evangelist announces Jesus' death. Given below in the original German and in an English translation from the Bach Cantatas Website, the words of the aria move from mournful lament to sure yet somber faith in Christ's final victory:

It is accomplished!
What comfort for all suffering souls!
The night of sorrow
now reaches its final hours.
The hero from Judah triumphs in his might
and brings the strife to an end.
It is accomplished!

In a recent post on Xavier Beauvois' Of Gods and Men, I considered whether that film (or any film, or, more broadly, a work of art) could be taken as an ideal introduction to Christianity. While I would never recommend Of Gods and Men in that context, I could conceivably recommend the Johannes-Passion - or perhaps just "Es ist vollbracht" standing on its own - as such an introduction. I invite you to watch the above video, reflect on the words of the aria, and think about whether or not you would agree.

1 Comments:

Father Koczera,I very much appreciate your explanation of the spiritual significance of this aria, which I came across as I sought a translation for the lyrics. I also love this particular version more than any other I have heard...such a full alto voice for such a young boy. Another great aria on the same subject (and just as musically magnificent) is the "Crucifixus" from the Mass in B Minor. Oh, and I happen to be currently enrolled at Georgetown, so it is neat that you attended as well.

About Me

Born and raised in Southeastern Massachusetts, I earned degrees from Georgetown and Notre Dame before entering the Jesuits in 2004. I was ordained to the priesthood in 2015 and currently live and study in Washington, D.C. The opinions expressed on this blog are my own and should not be taken to represent the position of the Society of Jesus or any other group or institution with which I am or have been connected.